Alexandre Rey

Could you tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally, and how you have got to where you are today?

Born in Mauritius, I grew up close to nature and always enjoyed outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, sailing, and fishing. Sports have always been a passion of mine—I love watching them, but I also played squash at a competitive level. Since I was a child, I’ve been curious and eager to learn. I’m an extensive dreamer and imagine myself doing various jobs, but one thing is certain: I want to make an impact.  

My agility with numbers and interest in technology drove me to pursue mechanical engineering. While Mauritius is a diverse country, it has its own ecosystem, and I wanted to discover what lay beyond the waters surrounding our small island. I chose to study in Bristol, in the United Kingdom, as I wanted to live in an English-speaking country and be based in a city that allowed easy travel around Europe.  

After four years in England, I sought a change and wanted to develop my business acumen. So, I joined INSEAD directly after earning my MEng in July 2024.  

Could you tell us what led you to pursue an INSEAD Master in Management programme?

As someone eager to engage in a field that could address today’s global challenges, I was drawn to the energy sector and pursued engineering immediately after school. My time in Bristol allowed me to develop a scientific approach to problem-solving and deepen my technical knowledge.  

However, I began to realise that achieving technological goals often depends on the resources available, which are governed by demand, returns, and financial sustainability—in short, by business laws. I wasn’t entirely familiar with these concepts, but I was eager to learn more. Since I was still young and ready to continue my academic momentum, I decided to embark on the MIM journey!  

Why did you choose INSEAD? Were there any other business schools you considered? 

Having already completed a master’s in engineering, I wasn’t looking for just any management programme. I sought a place that offered high-quality education and a dynamic environment filled with motivated peers from whom I could learn.  

I considered top schools in Paris, London, and Australia, but INSEAD quickly became my goal.

Beyond meeting my expectations, I was captivated by the programme’s international outlook and eager to meet people from around the world while having the opportunity to travel.

The enthusiasm of INSEAD alumni also played a decisive role in my decision. I was struck by how highly they spoke of the programme and the school, with little to no reservations.  

How has your experience on the programme been so far? Can you describe your interactions with the professors, your fellow classmates, and how life has been treating you on the Fontainebleau campus?  

It’s been great! Although I’ve only been in Fontainebleau for a month, I already feel at home. INSEAD fosters diversity and inclusion, creating a strong sense of belonging within the cohort from day one. Everyone’s openness and friendliness, coupled with the relatively small size of Fontainebleau, have helped us bond before moving on to the bustling city life in Singapore. 

The atmosphere on campus is professional and relaxed, and the staff are approachable. Some professors have even used innovative methods like virtual reality! Although the workload is significant, the collaborative environment keeps us motivated and on track.  

What does a typical day look like for you currently? 

I usually arrive on campus around 9am. If I’m not in class, I’m in the library or a breakout room working with my group. Lunch is a one-hour break at the amazing cafeteria—I’m often spoiled for choice! In the afternoon, I continue with group work or personal study.  

About 25% of my time is spent on extracurricular activities, including career preparation and associative projects. In the evenings, I unwind with sports—a squash game on the on-campus court or a jog in the forest—before heading to town for drinks with classmates.  

Before you know it, you’ll be making your way to Singapore. Is this something you are looking forward to?

Absolutely! I’ve never been to Asia, so I’m excited to explore Singaporean culture, try the food, and use weekends to travel around the region. I’m also looking forward to the warmer climate, which feels closer to home in Mauritius.  

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MIM experience?

In addition to the core teaching, the Career Development Centre hosts weekly workshops and activities to prepare us for job applications. They also organise sector-specific sessions, ensuring we are well-equipped when applying for roles.  

I’m involved in initiatives like the Climate Run, a student-led project raising awareness about sustainability and fundraising for climate-related causes. As part of its leadership team, I’m excited to collaborate with peers and connect with MIM alumni who previously worked on the initiative. Later in the year, I hope to join Emerald, a MIM consulting association that works on real-life pro bono projects.  

These activities allow us to apply classroom knowledge to impactful projects, gain valuable experience, and enhance our CVs, ensuring we’re even better prepared for the professional world.  

Any parting words of wisdom, admissions tips, or application advice you’d like to share?

Be true to yourself and believe in your abilities. Your application should reflect your achievements and background, but it’s equally important to demonstrate that your personality is suited to INSEAD’s diverse and open-minded environment.